I gift a holiday book as an early Christmas present to my kids each year, both to read with them now, and so the kids will have a great collection to take with them if they start their own families someday. With Christmas approaching quickly, I've been looking for that perfect festive family read to continue this family tradition.
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So I was excited to hear about Juniper’s Christmas by the incredibly talented Eoin Colfer. He's the author of the blockbuster Artemis Fowl series, one of my kids' favorites.
His latest imaginative book follows the adventures of eleven-year-old Juniper Lane, who stumbles upon what she believes is Santa, right in her local park. The story doesn't just stop at Santa's discovery. It spirals into a whimsical journey filled with intriguing characters — from a budding reindeer to a sly crime boss wanting to snatch Santa's magic. Juniper's Christmas has the perfect holiday message of hope, kindness, and magic.
Hear more about Juniper's Christmas from author Eoin Colfer:
Juniper's Christmas is intended for ages 8 to 12, but is really a great read across all ages. It sounds like the perfect book to get out on a cold winter night when we can gather around the fireplace, hot cocoa in hand, and read together.
Starting a new family tradition: A book club
In fact, perhaps Juniper's Christmas is a perfect first book to start a family book club now that my kids are a little older. Why a family book club? A book club can encourage conversations, a love for reading, and encourage critical thinking.
If, like me, you want to give this idea a try, here are three steps to getting started:
- Talk it out: Before diving in, gauge your family's enthusiasm and decide together how often your book club will "meet."
- Select your books: Allow each member to recommend books. You'll learn more about your family in the process! I think Juniper's Christmas sounds like a great first book because it's a heartwarming book the whole family will love.
- Keep it fun: Turn your book club meetings into more than a discussion. Make cozy pajamas a must, turn on holiday music, offer gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate, and make an easy craft together — like paper snowflakes, perhaps? — while you discuss Juniper's Christmas.
Happy reading!
Get your copy of Juniper's Christmas now.
